Free Patterns

How to Buy

This is a listing of all available patterns, in alphabetical order

Select patterns by clicking on a PICTURE or PATTERN NAME below

Basic Socks in Fine Yarn -- This classic albeit basic sock design is worked from the top of the cuff down to the toe. The cuff is worked in a knit 1, purl 1 ribbing, the heel is worked in heel stitch, and the foot is stockinette stitch with a wedge toe.  Sizes include a child’s medium (for a child about 5-6 years old), child’s large/woman’s small, woman’s medium, woman’s large, man’s small, man’s medium, and man’s large.

DATE - January 2005

Basketweave Cabled Tea Cozy -- This cozy is made of 2 custom-sized rectangular or square pieces which are then fastened together to fit your teapot. The center of each piece is worked in an overall cabled design that looks like diagonal basketweave, and the edges are garter stitch. The side and top edges of each piece have a series of eyelets that act as decorative eyelets or buttonholes to match buttons sewed over the eyelets on the other piece of the cozy. The top edge can either have buttons or a drawstring cord. The buttons can be buttoned through the eyelets to fasten the edges together or left open for the teapot’s spout and handle, regardless of whether the teapot has a top or side handle.

DATE - September 2003 - this pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine (projected publication is late 2003 or early 2004).

Beech Leaf Edging -- This a modification of Barbara G. Walker’s lace edging.  It is knitted sideways and can be made in any length you desire. It has a definite "right side", but you may find both sides attractive. You can use it as edging or trim on shelves, pillowcases, skirts, petticoats, shawls, and sweaters. It can be made with either straight ends or ends that will match each other so that the last row can be sewn to the beginning to form a circle. I modified the original pattern to turn it into an edging, to suit my tastes, and to add the straight ends.

DATE -- May 2001

Beginner Knit Projects -- If you’re just learning to knit, here are some projects that you can easily do – a hat/neck gaiter, slippers, a stuffed toy, and a buttoned pouch. Two require specific weights of yarn (the hat-gaiter and the slippers), but the other two can be made in any size yarn (bunny and pouch).

DATE - September 2003.  These patterns were originally designed for Alpacas Magazine (projected publication is late 2003 or early 2004).

Bobbles & Rib Hat -- This is a stocking-type ribbed hat with bobble (AKA popcorn stitch) trim on bottom edge and on crown of hat. It can be worn several ways. The bottom edge can be folded up as a brim. With the edge folded down, the hat can be worn low over the forehead on cold days, or higher on the head with the bobbled top forming a cute point at the top of the head.

DATE - January 2005

Buttoned I-Cord Pouch -- This is a tiny pouch with a flap and button – good for a few coins or small pieces of jewelry. This pouch was designed as a project to help you experience the versatility of I-cord. I-cord is also called idiot cord (because it’s so easy to make) and the "unattached" version looks the same as the spool knitting you may have learned as a child.

DATE -- 1990, revised July 2001

Child's Button Loop Garden Maze Pullover -- This child’s striped pullover sweater is worked in an unusual way. The multi-angled garter stitch pattern is worked circularly from the square neckline outward, and all shaping angles are retained throughout the working of the sweater. The sweater has a slitted front neckline with a button loop and a small slit at the center of the bottom back edge. Because of the way the pattern is written, the sizing of the pattern changes easily: with just a change in gauge, all measurements will change while remaining in proper body proportions – meaning that using thick needles and yarn makes a larger sized sweater, while using finer needles and thinner yarn makes a smaller sized sweater. Also, because the pattern is worked in garter stitch, it is very stretchy and can fit for a long time as the child grows.

DATE - September 2002

Child's Garden Maze Cardigan -- This is a garter stitch, zigzag striped, button-front child’s sweater knitted in a complicated maze-like manner.  The cast on edge begins at the bottom of the left center front edge and goes up the front, around the neckline, and down to the bottom of the right center front edge.  The pattern is in 3 sizes, expanded from the small size in two different methods:  the medium size uses the same size needles and yarn and has the stitch counts adjusted, the large size is worked exactly like the medium size but uses thicker thread and larger needles.  If desired, you can make an even smaller size by using finer yarn and smaller needles.  Button holes are worked on both edges so the cardigan can be easily suited to a girl or a boy.

DATE - December 2002, Revised January 2005.

Child's Loon Cardigan - This child’s cardigan sweater has a variety of black and white patterns inspired by those of the Common Loon. The loon effect is enhanced by the sweater’s red buttons, which are the color of the adult loon’s eyes.  The color patterns are worked in a combination of intarsia and stranded color work. The bottom edging is worked in 2-color corrugated ribbing. The sweater pieces are knitted downward from the shoulders to the wrists & bottom ribbing.  If you are interested, check out the Loon Pillow with Toy which was designed to coordinate with this cardigan.

DATE - January 2005

Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf -- This garter stitch scarf is worked back and forth diagonally from one corner. It is reversible, and the pattern looks the same on both sides when it is worked in one color. It can be worked in a narrow width to wear as a muffler with a winter coat. Or it can be worked loosely and wide for a lacy stole. Both examples are shown in the picture. The pattern is a variation of the diagonal washcloth pattern that I learned years ago.

DATE -- January 2001 -- This pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine for its Spring 2001 issue

Diamonds & Flowers Shawl -- This is a pattern for a triangular or square shawl that can be made in a wide range of sizes. The directions are both written and charted, so you can use whichever style you prefer, or try both. The version in the photo at left is a triangular, dressy, shoulder shawl of cashmere that can be knotted in front or be worn with a shawl pin or dressy pin to fasten the front (and it won first prize at the Taos Wool Festival 2002). The pattern can also easily be made larger or smaller. If made in a square shape, it can be worn folded in half diagonally. The pattern also makes a lovely lace tablecloth, and in the smallest size it’s a wonderfully lacy "handkerchief" that could be used as a dressy touch in a blazer breast pocket or as a lovely addition to a bride’s wedding day ensemble – as a lacy handkerchief tucked into her purse or trimming her bouquet.

DATE -- September 2002

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Corrections

Entrelac Square-To-Round Pouch -- This small drawstring pouch is worked in entrelac knitting (also called basket weave knitting) and has a zigzag shaped top edged with I-cord. I call this pattern "square to round" for two reasons. First, because you knit a square bottom, but the bag becomes circular as you work the sides. Also, because this method of "square to round" looks rather like the construction method of the same name commonly used in the basketry which this knitting so closely resembles. It is an entrelac pattern of somewhat unusual construction because there are no triangles to work and only a 3-stitch seam worked at the very end.

DATE -- September 2002

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Corrections

Entrelac Stair Step GS Shawl - This shallow triangular scarf/shawl is design in a garter stitch entrelac pattern, also called basketweave.  It is worked from one side point to other.  The border can be in the same or a contrasting same color.  It is reversible, although not quite identical on each side when the edging is added.  Tassels are optional.

DATE - April 2006, posted here March 2007

Eyelet Ridge Shawl Variations -- This pattern includes two shapes of shawl, both worked back and forth in the same pattern stitch. One version is a V-shaped (V) shawl, the other is a triangle. The triangle shawl is worked with your choice of yarn, the V shawl is designed for just one yarn weight. There are 4 edging variations: a garter ridge bind off (add-on fringe optional); a picot bind off (add-on fringe optional); a sideways garter stitch edging with short knitted-on beaded fringe; or a ruffled ribbing. The body of either shawl is very easy to knit and grows longer on each right side row. The length of the V shawl is determined by the length of the cast on row; the triangle shawl begins at the center top back and can range in size from small enough for a doll to a shoulder-sized scarf to a huge body-swaddling shawl. The stitch pattern alternates eyelet garter ridge bands with bands of stockinette stitch.  The V shawl is made in one size, the triangular shawl can be made in any size.

DATE -- September 2003

Eyelet-Edged Coasters (free pattern) -- This is a square garter stitch coaster with simple eyelet edging.  It should be made with 100% cotton or other absorbent fiber (don’t you hate those stone or plastic coasters where the water just runs off or drips off the glass every time you pick it up?), and it’s machine washable and dryable, too.  

DATE -- February 2001

Eyelet-Edged Placemat & Coaster -- This set of table linens includes a rectangular placemat and square coaster in garter stitch with a simple eyelet edging. They should be made with 100% cotton or other absorbent fiber (don’t you hate those stone or plastic coasters where the water just runs off or drips off the glass every time you pick it up?), and they’re machine washable and dryable, too.

DATE -- March 2001

Felted Hats - This is a fitted, felted hat with a variety of brim and hat band options. The brim can be flat and narrow, wide with a slit at the back, or upward slanting with a narrow or wide "flip". The crown can fit the head snugly or be shaped – flattened (when combined with the narrow upturned brim, this style looks like a top hat), or the pinched-front fedora style.

DATE - January 2005

Felted Tasseled Purse - This pointed-bottom felted (fulled) purse pattern is has several variations.  It can be large or small with a flap to fasten over the top or with a drawstring top with no flap.  The drawstring version has a pointed lace panel edging that overlays the purse and mirrors the point on the purse.  Both purses have tassels hanging from the bottom and over-the-shoulder length twisted cord straps.  NOTE – since these purses are knitted before shrinking, they are technically “fulled” and not “felted” (felted fabrics are made directly from the raw fiber without knitting, crocheting, or weaving first).

DATE - April 2006, posted here March 2007

Garden Maze Garter Stitch Pouch -- This is a drawstring pouch knitted in a combination of back-and-forth and circular garter stitch with lots of very complex increases, decreases, bind offs, and color changes. I "unvented" the technique as an evolution of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s wonderful garter stitch projects. The name "garden maze" I credit to a sister knitter (thanks, Barb!). The pouch starts with a small square at the bottom and ends with the scalloped top edge. This pouch is a good project to learn this complex technique.

DATE -- November 1998, revised July 2001

Garter Stitch Tote Bag -- This a two-handled, open-top, shoulder tote with optional button loop to close the top and an optional pocket on the outside center front. The garter stitch construction makes the bag stretchy enough to hold most any cargo. The design has two choices of bottom style – rectangular or envelope style. It can be made in 2 sizes. If constructed of an animal fiber yarn, it can be fulled (felted) in your washing machine. Both of the models shown in the photo are the smaller size with the rectangular bottom – one fulled version (left) and one unfulled version (right).

DATE -- March 1992, Revised July 2002.

Glamour Pouch -- This is a small, round, drawstring bag. Make one for your pearls or as an evening bag - or use as a gift container! The bag has a square base made in reversible knitting and stockinette sides decorated with bands of purl and slip stitches. This is a quick project; I can usually make one in about four hours.

DATE -- May 1992, Revised July 2002.

Heart Garter Stitch Shawl -- This is a triangular shawl worked in garter stitch from the center back point to a bind off at the front edge. It has two choices of small heart design at the back center point worked in eyelets. The shape of the shawl can be worked with single increases on each side edge for a narrower top edge that ties or pins in the front. It can also be made with double increases at each side edge for a wider top edge that creates longer tails to easily wrap around your body. The front edge can be finished with a loopy or simple bind off edging.  The size can range from small enough for a doll or teddy bear to huge enough to wrap around yourself several times.

DATE -- September 2003

Intarsia Heart Purse -- This drawstring shoulder purse has a diamond pattern on one side and a heart, squares, and stripes on the other. It is worked with multiple colors of yarn in a single row (intarsia knitting).  It is designed as a single long piece that is knitted back-and-forth with an eyeleted top edging worked circularly after the intarsia is completed.  It has I-cord drawstrings.  It can be felted or not. The pouch shown in the photos is the nonfelted version.

DATE -- February 2005

It's Almost A Ball -- It’s almost, but not quite, a ball. It’s really shaped like an English candy called a humbug (or so I’ve been told). But no matter what the shape is called, this is a wonderful toy for baby or a toddler, especially when it includes a rattle. And as a beanbag, it’s great for games and the small size is perfect for juggling (confirmed by juggling friends - Thanks, John & Burke!). There are several variations of the pattern – it can be small or large, it can be longer than it is wide or not, and it can also be fulled (felted) or not.

DATE -- September 2002

Lace Bookmark  -- This bookmark is a combination of garter stitch and a simple lace pattern. It is knit of whatever yarn you like and can be made in a range of lengths. Starching during the blocking process will make it stiff enough to use. The cord and tassel are made of the same yarn. The directions are both in written-out and charted forms.

DATE - September 2003

Lace Candle Sleeves -- Included are three variations of circularly-knit lace sleeves sized for glass-encased seven-day candles. The three patterns are of three levels of difficulty: from beginner to advanced. Because of the fire danger, these lace sleeves are designed for and should be used only for GLASS-encased candles! 

DATE -- June 2001 -- this pattern was originally designed for Alpaca Magazine’s Holiday 2001 issue (Fall 2001)

Ladder Diamond Table Runner or Scarf -- This project has a lace pattern of diamonds with an openwork ladder up the center of each and a narrow garter stitch border all around. A tassel trimmed with beads is attached to each end. It can be worked as a table runner or a muffler-type long scarf to wear with your winter coat.
DATE -- September 2003 - this pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine (projected publication is late 2003 or early 2004).

Lattice Bag Set -- This is a set of bags with a lattice pattern of traveling stitches, which is a variation of cable stitch and is also sometimes called twisted stitch. All bags are edged with garter stitch borders. This same decorative lattice pattern is used on a coin purse, a tiny shoulder bag, a larger shoulder bag, and a backpack. The coin purse and shoulder bags have top flaps with two buttons and are knitted back and forth. The backpack has a drawstring top that is closed using the shoulder straps and is knitted circularly.

DATE -- April 2002 - This pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine for its Spring 2002 issue.

Loon Pillow with Toy - This intarsia loon pillow celebrates the Common Loon. The pillow is the blue of lakes with the loon floating in the middle. The loon’s wing forms a pocket so a stuffed baby loon toy can ride on the adult’s back just as chicks do in real life. The back of the pillow is a simple black and white horizontally-striped pattern and the edging is an optional knitted red cord to match the red eye of the adult loon (the loon chick has dark eyes).  The stuffed chick can be felted or not, as you desire.  If you click on Child's Loon Cardigan you'll find a child's cardigan designed to coordinate with this pillow.

DATE -- January 2005.

Man in a Maze Pillow & Tote  -- This is an 18-inch square sofa pillow cover or tote bag worked in three colors. The designs come from ancient, traditional Native American designs of the southwest United States.  On one side is a square version of the usually circular Man In A Maze pattern of the native peoples of southern Arizona. The triangle designs surrounding the maze and the folded lightning bolt pattern (my name for it) on the other side are taken from designs found on the soles of 900- to 1,100-year-old yucca sandals from the Ancient Puebloan peoples of the Four Corners area of the USA. The folded lightning bolt side is worked primarily in stranded color knitting.  The maze side is worked in intarsia color knitting.

DATE -- September 2002 -- The pillow version of this pattern originally appeared in Alpaca Magazine’s Summer 2002 issue.

Mosaic Drawstring Pouch -- This is a small, two-color, envelope-bottomed drawstring pouch worked in mosaic stitch and with a bobbled top edge. Mosaic stitch is a multicolor slip-stitch technique primarily used for geometrical designs. It is worked using only one color per row and is often worked in garter stitch, as this pouch is. The project is worked back and forth from the top down, with the drawstring eyelet edging picked up and added last. This is a good project for learning how to do this intriguing color and texture technique.

DATE -- July 2001

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Corrections

Peruvian Drawstring Pouch -- This is a small, round drawstring bag in stockinette and garter stitch with a patterned band in your choice of three Peruvian textile borders.  Make a small one for your pearls or a large one for an evening bag - or use as a gift container!  The size of the basic pouch varies depending on the yarn and needles you choose.

DATE -- November 2000 -- This pouch was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine, and appeared in its Winter 2000 issue (published January 2001).

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Correction

"Rag Bag" Tote Bag -- This is a large tote bag knitted of fabric strips. It is worked in stockinette stitch with 2 padded I-cord shoulder straps. It is large enough to hold a grocery bag or a plethora of miscellaneous knitting paraphernalia and/or beach gear.

DATE -- March 2001

Ribbed Neck Gaiter (free pattern) -- This tubular neck gaiter is knitted in a simple ribbing pattern.  It can be worn around the neck and pulled up over the mouth and nose if it’s very cold out.  It also works great as a simple hat if it’s not too cold.  I sometimes wear two -- one around my neck and one as a hat.  One of these is always part of my cool-weather camping gear, and I keep one or two in my car with my winter survival wear.

DATE -- February 2001

Ribbed Wristers, Driving Mitts, & Neck Gaiter --  What I call wristers are also sometimes called mitts or fingerless mittens. These are knitted in a simple ribbed pattern. They cover the entire palm of the hand and wrist and have a thumbhole. The driving mitts are designed for holding a car’s steering wheel. The longer finger section and the partial thumbs are long enough to wrap around a cold steering wheel while still leaving the finger tips free.  The matching neck gaiter is knitted in the same simple rib. It can be worn around the neck and pulled up over the mouth and nose if it’s very cold out. It also works great as a simple hat if it’s not too cold (the open top lets some of the heat out).  

DATE -- March 2001, Expanded Version 2005

Ribbon Heart Afghan -- This is a square afghan that works well as a baby blanket or lap robe. It is worked in garter stitch from the center out. Because of the way color changes work in garter stitch, the stripes on the back don’t look exactly the same as the front. A few parts are worked back and forth (knit every row), but the rest is worked circularly (alternating knit and purl rows). 

DATE -- February 2001 -- This pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine for its Summer 2001 issue

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Tips

Ruffled Mitts -- These are ladylike, wrist length, fingerless mittens with ruffled cuffs. They are made of luxury yarn and can be worn for dressy occasions, including weddings, tea parties, and "dress up". They can also be worn simply to keep your hands warm while you’re knitting, reading, or working on the computer. They are worked from the top edge down, ending with the ruffled cuff that can be edged with knitted-in beads if you like. If you make them longer and without ruffles, they are sporty versions that even a man with cold hands might enjoy wearing.

DATE -- July 2001-- This pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine for its Winter 2001 issue (approximately December 2001)

Sam the Ram  -- Sam is a dark-faced, dark-legged, standing-on-four-legs, stuffed sheep about 13.5 inches long by 13 inches tall, with horns, Aran-patterned (i.e., cables) cream-colored "fleece", and  ribbing-cuffed legs.  He was inspired by a drawing on a note card of a sheep wearing an Aran-patterned sweater.  In my version, the Aran patterning is clearly the fleece, and not a separate sweater.

DATE -- July 1993, revised September 1994

Sewn Mittens (free pattern, no knitting necessary) -- This is a cut-and-sew fabric mitten that can easily be made in any size.  It is made from shrunken (felted/fulled) wool sweaters -- check you local thrift store for such a sweater.  The mitten can be made from either 2 or 3 pieces of fabric and modified almost endlessly in style.  The mitten's seams can be machine sewn or hand sewn with yarn.   The mittens can be as crude or as decorative as you want.

DATE -- 1990, revised November 2001

Shrunken Hot Pad  -- This garter stitch hot pad is worked back and forth diagonally from one corner.  It looks the same on both sides if you work it in one color.  It is the best hot pad that I’ve ever used – the garter stitch pattern makes it thick, and the fulling (felting/shrinking) makes it even denser and more heat insulating.  It’s a variation of the diagonal washcloth pattern that I learned years ago, and it’s easy and quick to make for your kitchen or for gifts.  

DATE -- January 2001 -- This pattern was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine for its Spring 2001 issue

Sideways Garter Stitch Hat with Dahlia  -- This is a pull-on hat with several edging choices and an optional "corsage" of 3-dimensional garter stitch leaves and dahlia-like flower. The hat is worked sideways and is designed in sizes from premature infant to lady’s large. I developed the original hat when I was taking part in a Minnesota Knitters’ Guild public service project in 1991 to knit premature infant hats for the University of Minnesota Hospital (all preemie hats were knitted of acrylic with basic edging and no flower trim).

DATE - 1991, Revised September 2002

Simple Scarves (2 free patterns)-- Here are basic directions for two types of rectangular scarves or shawls, both of which are reversible (no wrong side) when worked in garter stitch.  They look great in basic yarns or fancy furry or glitzy novelty yarns.  The rectangular patterns can be made in any width or length.

DATE - June 2004

Spiral Ribbed No Heel Socks -- This pattern is my version of a traditional pattern. These are heavy, tall socks designed for winter wear in hiking or ski boots or ice skates. The spiral rib makes them fit quite well even without heel shaping, and the sock may wear better than a heeled sock because your heel isn’t in the same place every time you put it on.  These are socks that you can make for anyone, by using just an estimated size - and they always fit! The photograph shows both the largest and smallest socks.

DATE -- May 1992, Revised July 2001

Squares & Stripes Socks - This sock design is worked from the top of the cuff down to the toe. It is worked in two colors with the cuff worked in an unusual garter stitch technique that I call garden maze garter stitch. Sizes include child, women's & men's.  The child’s size has two sets of squares and stripes on the cuff, the women’s sizes have 3 sets, and the men’s sizes have 4 sets. Although the garter stitch cuff looks larger around than the sock foot, it fits well.

DATE - January 2005

String Shopping Bag -- This pattern makes a large drawstring string-type shopping bag. It folds up small, but stretches out into a large size suitable for carrying all your shopping purchases (it’s particularly great for carrying home your yarn purchase for your next knitting project!).

DATE --  February 1992, Revised July 2001

Sue the Ewe -- Sue is a dark-faced, dark-legged, standing-on-four-legs, stuffed sheep about 13.5 inches long by 13 inches tall, with small horns, mistake-stitch-rib-patterned cream-colored "fleece", a cable down the back midline, ribbing-cuffed legs with ruffled edging, and a separate lace shawl.  She is designed to be a friend to Sam the Ram, my previous sheep design. 

DATE -- February 1998 

• If you already own this pattern, click on -- Corrections

Teddy Bear Puppets  -- This is a set of 2 teddy bear puppets: a boy in a sweatshirt and blue jeans with pockets, and a girl in dress with a hair bow. The facial features and star on the sweatshirt are embroidered with duplicate stitch.  They are sized to fit an adult hand.

DATE - September 2003.  This puppet was originally designed for Alpacas Magazine and appeared in its Spring 2003 issue.

Tiny Pouch Variations -- This pattern includes mix-and-match variations for small pouches suitable for wearing around your neck or over your shoulder, hanging on a wall, tucking in your handbag or suitcase to hold a small treasure, or using as a small gift container. They are all worked from the top down. The two pouch-top variations are a drawstring closure or a button closure. The three bottom variations are a rounded bottom, a pointed bottom, or an envelope-style bottom. You can mix and match the top closures and bottom shapings, because all are based on the same stitch count.  

DATE -- May 2001

Triangle Angle Shawl -- This is a reversible triangular shawl knitted sideways in back-and-forth garter stitch lace from one front point, widening to a point in the middle of the back and then narrowing to the other front point. It has a simple, diagonally slanting lace stitch pattern as the body of the shawl with a faggot stitch strip and a pointed lace outer edging with the same diagonally slanting lace pattern as the body of the shawl.

DATE -- May 2001 -- This pattern was designed especially for Good Fibrations, as a shawl to be made with their Colorado-raised mohair yarns (this small herd of goats live about 15 miles from my home)

• If you already own this pattern, click on --Corrections

Zig Zag Lace Tam -- This is a fun, loose crowned, lace hat with zig zag points along the lower edge of the fitted hat band. The band, which is worked sideways in garter stitch, can be adjusted by the long beaded cord threaded through the eyelets in the band. The crown of the hat is worked circularly from the top edge of the hat band, has diagonal columns of eyelets, a central 6-pointed star, and is topped by a button. The band and cords are worked with double strands of yarn; the eyelets and star are worked with a single strand.

DATE - September 2002